Capparis sandwichiana
Maiapilo · Native Caper · Smooth caperbush
Description
Source: leafsnapCapparis sandwichiana is a species of flowering plant in the Capparaceae family endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Common names include maiapilo, pua pilo, and Hawaiian caper. C. sandwichiana can be found on the main islands, Midway Atoll, the Pearl and Hermes Atoll, and Laysan. It inhabits coastal low shrublands and rocky shores at elevations from sea level to 325 feet (99 m). Maiapilo is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and is threatened by grazing, competition with invasive species, and habitat destruction.
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Full sun
Native caper comes from open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which offer abundant light. It does best in full sun but can also endure partial sun, adapting well to a range of light conditions.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The native caper comes from tropical regions, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well-suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so avoiding temperature fluctuations indoors is important. It typically cannot withstand cold conditions and needs warmer temperatures to grow; if the ambient temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-8
🌱 Fertilizer
The best time to fertilize a Native caper is in early spring, as it breaks dormancy. This supports overall growth and flower development. Fertilizing improves foliage, stems, and branches and encourages large, vibrant, long-lasting flowers. It helps move nutrients from the roots to the flowers and strengthens the plant's health and resistance to disease.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Capparis
- Family
- Capparaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Mature Spread
- 49 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Dark Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Size
- 3.05 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- All year round
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- All year round